Senior Gift Officer - University Relations

Universities of Wisconsin • Whitewater, WI

1d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Senior Gift Officer identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major, principal, and/or planned gift levels. The Senior Gift Officer develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other University staff and leadership to meet predefined gift contribution goals. This position identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships, and identifies solicitation opportunities designed to generate gifts that meet program funding goals. The selected candidate will frequently travel domestically to meet with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and major donors to solicit comprehensive and structured philanthropic gifts to drive long-term University support through strategic engagement. The Senior Gift Officer develops and delivers targeted fundraising campaigns and materials specific to gift contributions in alignment with strategic initiatives and priorities, as directed by the Foundation President. This position also develops and updates prospect portfolios, evaluates existing strategy, and recommends improvements to leadership. This position participates in and leads committees and meetings as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising, sales or negotiation experience
• Corporate sales and/or major gift experience, demonstrating experience and success in soliciting seven-figure gifts
• Sales experience with demonstrated ability to hit metrics
• Database and CRM experience
• Integrity and demonstration of relationship-building skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Tech-friendly with an interest in analytics
• A strategic mind with persuasion and negotiation skills
• Ability to take direction, work independently, and be a part of a collaborative team
• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in fundraising in a higher education setting
• Experience working with Boards
• Customer service background

Responsibilities

• Research and Fundraising
• Utilize donor database and existing research tools to identify potential prospects.
• Engage a portfolio of 100+.
• Hold meetings annually and utilize other personal communication tools to develop strong donor relationships with appropriate UWW leadership, faculty, programs, and students aligned with the prospects' philanthropic interests and values.
• Work with donors on various giving vehicles to support Foundation priorities such as scholarships and endowed funds, with a commitment to learning new techniques along the way.
• As a member of the University Relations team, participate in setting the long-range and short-term fundraising strategy to reach annual and multi-year goals.
• Travel in-state as well as to assigned out-of-state regions to encourage philanthropy and alumni engagement among top prospects.
• University Relations
• Work with the University Relations and Foundation team to plan programs and events to increase donor and prospective donor engagement. Attend events to provide assistance and identify/cultivate/steward major gift prospect relationships.
• Recruit volunteers for boards and engagement opportunities to involve alumni and friends in the life of the University.
• Other Tasks
• Maintain accurate records, attend and contribute to division and college meetings and keep current on Foundation policies and procedures.
• Serve as the lead on special projects, Foundation Board committees, etc. as assigned.
• Due to the nature of the work, occasional evening and weekend responsibilities, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel, are essential parts of the position.

Benefits

• UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package.
• To learn more about the UW System’s comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level